Sexual abuse, coverups, and indifference at the International House of Prayer

An independent investigation found that Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer, committed sexual abuse or misconduct on at least 17 women, some of whom were minors at the time. The alleged abuses were perpetrated over the course of decades. No one stopped him.

Mike Bickle (RNS screen grab)

In the details of the investigatory report released two days ago – the Firefly Report – the documented grooming, abuse, and coverup patterns are sadly similar to what we’ve seen in so many other clergy sex abuse stories. TRIGGER WARNING: Seeing these patterns in print, yet again, will feel painful and familiar for many of you.

Beyond the allegations against Bickle, the investigation also uncovered numerous other stories of sexual abuse and misconduct perpetrated by other individuals associated with the International House of Prayer. These other alleged abusers may not be famous like Bickle, but their abuses also did unfathomable harm and showed the entrenched patterns at IHOPKC.

I expect that what’s documented in the report is the tip of the iceberg. There were no doubt some survivors who were wary of the investigation and did not participate – and for that lack of trust, no one can blame the survivors. In addition to the usual factors that deter victims’ disclosures of sexual abuse – undue guilt, shame, feelings of alienation, and self-blame -- there’s a history at IHOPKC, and it’s not a good one. Some survivors likely had reasonable concerns about the independence of the investigation.

With its headquarters in Kansas City, the International House of Prayer is a charismatic evangelical Christian organization that people often refer to as IHOPKC. I know… a lot of people see that acronym – IHOP – and think about the International House of Pancakes. But this organization had something far more manipulative and dangerous than pancakes – it had “prayer.”

[Wikipedia photo]

Now, I’m just going to set out some excerpts from the report.

“We have been able to identify and interview 32 Interviewed Survivors who were sexually abused or experienced sexually abusive misconduct during their time at IHOPKC…

The silence of these victims stresses the gravity of the situation and highlights the need for a supportive and transparent environment where victims can feel safe to speak out. The courage of those who have come forward is commendable, but it also brings to light the stories of countless others who may still be suffering in silence…

It is crucial to understand the proactive measures the board is taking to ensure the safety and well-being of church members. Despite multiple attempts to contact the current board of directors for comments on the proactive measures implemented within IHOPKC, we have received no responses. The lack of response from the board members further exacerbates the issue, raising concerns about the efficacy and sincerity of the proactive measures purportedly in place…

BICKLE, the founder, has been accused of misconduct spanning decades involving multiple women. These allegations highlight a troubling pattern within this particular institution, where abuse was allowed to persist unchecked, often with perpetrators being protected rather than held accountable…

This issue is not just a matter of individual misconduct but reflects a broader pattern within religious institutions. The phrase “sanctuary of sexual predators” in the church highlights the historical and ongoing problem of religious organizations providing cover for clergy and other religious figures accused of sexual abuse… Through the victims and witnesses interviewed, we have found there was a culture of systematic abuse and coverups that thrived at IHOPKC…

We have identified and interviewed 17 Survivors who were either sexually abused or experienced sexually abusive misconduct, including sexual abuse, rape, clergy abuse, and spiritual abuse, perpetrated by BICKLE beginning to our knowledge in the mid-1970s. These acts of abuse have had profound and lasting impacts on the lives of the victims, causing significant emotional, psychological, and spiritual harm…

BICKLE, as a pastor and leader, was entrusted with the care of his congregation's spiritual well- being; however, he betrayed this trust by misusing his position of authority to engage in sexual misconduct with multiple victims. His actions not only violated the sanctity of his role but also caused profound harm to those he was meant to guide and protect…

BICKLE employed a variety of manipulative tactics against his victims. These women were systematically and intentionally groomed into harmful, emotional, and spiritual abuse. His calculated actions created an environment of control and exploitation, where the victims were coerced into compliance and silence. This deliberate grooming process not only inflicted deep psychological and emotional trauma but also eroded their sense of self-worth and trust…

BICKLE claimed that individuals who were closely connected to him would receive unique spiritual blessings and ministries. This tactic created a sense of exclusivity and spiritual superiority among his followers, making them more susceptible to his control and less likely to question his actions…

Appeals to biblical authority often serve to amplify the social control exercised by ecclesial authorities—namely, those authorities who have the power to dictate what the Bible means: if the Bible’s authority cannot be questioned, and certain individuals have the power to dictate how the Bible is to be understood, then those individuals cannot be questioned… In effect, this arrangement permits those in positions of power to “speak on behalf of God”…

BICKLE was a master at using prophetic words to gain his victims' trust. By presenting himself as a spiritual authority with divine insight, he manipulated his victims into believing that his actions were guided by a higher power…

The investigation into IHOPKC has indeed uncovered troubling patterns. Beyond the allegations against BICKLE, we uncovered numerous instances of sexual abuse and misconduct perpetrated by individuals associated with IHOPKC.

To silence victims, GREAVES would hold meetings where victims were interrogated and, in many instances, forced to apologize to the alleged offenders. Victims were often blamed for what happened to them, causing further trauma. In cases of sexual abuse, victims were advised that the investigation would be handled in-house and that law enforcement should not be involved. This approach not only silenced victims but also allowed perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior without fear of legal consequences…

The investigation revealed that many victims were subjected to "Matthew 18" meetings, where they were pressured into face-to-face confrontations with their accusers to determine who was lying. These meetings not only compounded the emotional distress of the victims but also undermined the integrity of the investigation process. Many victims felt intimidated and coerced, which led to further trauma and a sense of injustice.

The investigation has revealed that staff members who reported sexual abuse victims to their supervisors often faced retaliation. Instead of being supported, these whistleblowers were frequently disciplined by being transferred to different positions or having their work hours reduced, despite the assurances in the IHOPKC Whistleblower Policy… This punitive response staff members received, despite the policy set in place, discouraged staff from coming forward. Alarmingly, the policy also pushed to keep complaints inside the organization…

"You did not speak against the Lord's anointed," was often used to silence those who tried to report abuse, creating an environment where victims felt powerless and unsupported. This systemic failure within the leadership has had a profound impact on the victims and the overall integrity of the organization…

This report finds a deliberate indifference by BICKLE and the Executive Leadership Team in minimizing reports of sexual abuse, requiring victims to confront their offenders, and discouraging victims from seeking law enforcement assistance. Their actions, or lack thereof, contributed to an environment where victims felt unsupported and vulnerable… This indifference not only exacerbated the trauma experienced by the victims but also allowed the perpetrators to evade accountability and continue their misconduct.”

My heart goes out to all who were betrayed by this grotesquely indifferent faith organization.

The Firefly Report is a start at bringing truth to light, but it should be considered as only a beginning, and not an end. All survivors’ stories need to be heard, and change needs to happen.

In an interview to the Religion News Service, attorney and advocate Boz Tchividjian voiced his concern that IHOPKC leadership will not actually take the report to heart and learn from it.

“If I was king for a day, I’d shut them down,” Tchividjian said. “Sometimes church doors can close, and that’s not the worst thing that can happen.”